Harriet Lane (1830-1903)

Niece of President Buchanan, Harriet Lane served as his first lady. A brilliant student, she loved to discuss politics with her uncle. When Buchanan was elected in 1856, Lane became a great asset, both socially and politically. In 1866 Lane married Henry Eliot Johnston. Both of their sons died at a young age. When Buchanan died in 1868, Lane began to collect his papers for publication, in the hope of restoring his reputation. She was an important philanthropist for causes such as Native Americans and pediatric medicine.